Alexander Zverev’s Grand Slam Hopes Boosted by Rafael Nadal and Boris Becker
According to reports from Tennis365, Alexander Zverev’s recent win at the BMW Open was hailed as a "turning point" by tennis greats Rafael Nadal and Boris Becker, who believe the German has what it takes to succeed at Grand Slam level.
Zverev’s 2025 tennis season got off to a promising start, with a run to the Australian Open final, where he ultimately lost to Jannik Sinner. However, the German’s form tailed off in the following months, with a string of poor performances on the South American swing, the Sunshine Double, and at the start of the clay-court season. His second-round exit at the Monte Carlo Masters proved to be the final nail in the coffin, as he slipped to No 3 in the ATP Rankings behind Carlos Alcaraz.
However, Zverev’s fortunes began to change a week later, as he won the title in Munich, beating Ben Shelton in the final. This victory saw him return to No 2 in the rankings, and he will now look to build on this momentum at the Madrid Open, ahead of his Italian Open title defence.
Nadal, speaking at the Laureus World Sports Awards, praised Zverev’s abilities, stating: "I think he’s great. He’s an incredible player. The only thing he’s missing is a Grand Slam title. But probably at some point he will make it happen. He’s doing a great job." Tennis365 reports that Nadal also highlighted the importance of Zverev’s win in Munich, saying: "He had a few tough months after Australia, but he’s bounced back. The win in Munich was an important moment for him. It was a turning point for him to get back to his top level at a moment that we’re right before the second Grand Slam of the year."
Becker, a long-time admirer of Zverev, also believes that his compatriot has what it takes to succeed at Grand Slam level. "He needed that tough match in the quarter-final against [Tallon] Griekspoor and he played fabulously in the semi-final and final [in Munich]," Becker said. "I think he was missing that a little bit and I’m confident that he can do well in Madrid and Rome. His big dream will be Paris, above all. To go one step further than last year." Tennis365 notes that Becker is confident that Zverev can build on his recent form, saying: "But I think he’s back in good form. I think he’s playing good tennis again. Winning the tournament was enormously important for him."
Zverev’s Grand Slam hopes have been boosted by the support of Nadal and Becker, who believe that he has the talent and ability to succeed at the highest level. Despite his runner-up appearances at the 2024 French Open and the 2020 US Open, Zverev is yet to claim his first Grand Slam title. However, with the guidance of experienced coaches and the support of tennis legends, he will look to make a deep run at Roland Garros this year.
In related news, Tennis365 has reported on Zverev’s recent performances, including his comments on tennis drug testers and Dominic Thiem’s assessment of his Grand Slam hopes. As the tennis world continues to follow Zverev’s progress, one thing is certain – he has the talent, the support, and the determination to succeed at the highest level.
